Injury has forced race favourite and three-time champion Liz McColgan out of next month's BUPA Great North Run on Tyneside. The Scot's absence from the big race on October 4th will come as a blow to the organisers who had lined her up against the in-form Sonia O'Sullivan.

McColgan, who is in Dublin receiving treatment, told organisers yesterday that she is responding well to physiotherapy on her injured heel but there is no way she could be fit for the half-marathon which has attracted well over the 40,000 maximum entry permitted by police.

McColgan's husband and manager, Peter said: "Liz has now been in Dublin for more than a week having treatment from Gerard Hartmann. The injury is coming along well, but there is no way she will be race fit in time for the Great North Run.

"I imagine she could spend yet another week in Ireland.

"We promised we would make a decision about her participation by today, which will enable a replacement to be found."